5.Ride like a local — take the bus.

It only costs one to two RMB one way, and buses announce in both Chinese and English. Air-conditioned buses (which are beautiful experiences in Shanghai's subtropical summers) can be identified by an asterisk in front of the bus number.

6.Shop for trinkets and small necessities in the side streets of Chenghuangmiao.

7.Stand in line for mooncakes at Xinghua Lou or Sunya, Shanghai's time-honored Cantonese restaurants.

Mooncakes may be Cantonese in origin, but two Shanghai restaurants in particular have perfected the art of making the pastries over the last century. In the weeks leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival, locals arrive in droves to await boxes of these delicacies. During other times of year, go to simply enjoy delicious Cantonese food in the dining rooms.

13.And ease back into Shanghai culture by stopping by Metro City Plaza.

This is definitely a landmark for locals, and the focus here is once again shopping and food. Metro City's greatest attraction might be the massive food court on the top floor, which serves nearly every kind of Chinese cuisine imaginable. To die for.